2X digital zoom at DVinfo.net

Bob Safay · December 7th, 2002, 05:32 PM

Has anyone out there had much luck useing the 2X digital Zoom on the XL-1 or 1s, or is it just an add-on? Bob

Dylan Couper · December 7th, 2002, 05:49 PM

I've never considered it an option while shooting.
When it's on, there is a noticable drop in picture quality at maximum zoom. For home use, sure. For professional use, never.

Ken Tanaka · December 7th, 2002, 05:51 PM

Hi Bob,
Well, I'm not sure "luck" is involved. Digital zoom basically magnify pixels from the outermost limit of the optical zoom. As such it coarsens, or "pixelates", the image. Certainly, if it's a matter of either not getting a shot at all or getting a somewhat coarse shot, I'd go for the latter. But the digital zoom feature on these cameras are not something you'll want to use often or for work you consider important.

Nathan Gifford · December 7th, 2002, 10:49 PM

Optical zoom is the only zoom that is important. Digital zoom pixelates, except in Star Trek.

Happy Holidays

Jesse Meehl · December 8th, 2002, 11:08 AM

I think it's funny in movies like Enemy Of The State where they have a heavily compressed clip of video that they magnify about 100x and it's clear as day. If the government had that kind of technology, they could take standard dv and "enhance" it to film resolution. Maybe they could sell the technology to adobe, and they could make it a plug in for After Effects. Imagine the possiblities!

Simon Plissi · December 9th, 2002, 11:01 AM

Hell, I'm waiting for the type of magnification seen in Bladerunner.

December 7th, 2002, 05:32 PM	#1
Bob Safay Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,558	2X digital zoom Has anyone out there had much luck useing the 2X digital Zoom on the XL-1 or 1s, or is it just an add-on? Bob

December 7th, 2002, 05:51 PM	#3
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Hi Bob, Well, I'm not sure "luck" is involved. Digital zoom basically magnify pixels from the outermost limit of the optical zoom. As such it coarsens, or "pixelates", the image. Certainly, if it's a matter of either not getting a shot at all or getting a somewhat coarse shot, I'd go for the latter. But the digital zoom feature on these cameras are not something you'll want to use often or for work you consider important. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

December 7th, 2002, 10:49 PM	#4
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	Optical zoom is the only zoom that is important. Digital zoom pixelates, except in Star Trek. Happy Holidays __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

December 7th, 2002, 05:49 PM	#2
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	I've never considered it an option while shooting. When it's on, there is a noticable drop in picture quality at maximum zoom. For home use, sure. For professional use, never.

December 8th, 2002, 11:08 AM	#5
Jesse Meehl New Boot Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 10	I think it's funny in movies like Enemy Of The State where they have a heavily compressed clip of video that they magnify about 100x and it's clear as day. If the government had that kind of technology, they could take standard dv and "enhance" it to film resolution. Maybe they could sell the technology to adobe, and they could make it a plug in for After Effects. Imagine the possiblities!

December 9th, 2002, 11:01 AM	#6
Simon Plissi Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 105	Hell, I'm waiting for the type of magnification seen in Bladerunner.